A throwback video of First Lady Remi Tinubu appearing to threaten Igbo people in Lagos has resurfaced on social media, attracting a fresh barrage of criticism to the president’s wife.
A fact check showed that the video was first published in 2019, ahead of that year’s general election, but it gained prominence in September 2022, as the 2023 general election built momentum.
In the video, Mrs Tinubu, who was Senator for Lagos Central at the time, appeared to berate Igbo people for failing to align with the local politics of Lagos.
She said that Igbos in Lagos “were proving difficult despite the love shown to them”.
“We will entreat all the deities of Lagos to chase Igbo people out. Igbo who didn’t marry Yoruba, we will inherit them. Given how much we love Igbo, you now want to spoil everything.
“You are not the only tribe in this place, Hausa are here, we accommodate them, Calabar are here, we accommodate them. But Igbo are proving difficult. We will inherit you.
“Despite the love we have for you… others are here and we accommodated them,” Mrs Tinubu, whose husband ruled Lagos from 1999 to 2007, said.
Watch video:
Wait, did Mrs Tinubu say this this true true? Or the video was edited? 🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/bvbPCTLAdo
— J a c k 🇳🇬 (@Jack_ng01) November 27, 2023
The video, which trended on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Monday, drew attention from netizens, many of whom equated the First Lady’s remarks to “hate speech”.
First Lady of the Federal Republic.
If you talk now, they will tell you that you have victim mentality. https://t.co/pNRgcXqTpW
— Cross˚ (@Elkrosmediahub) November 27, 2023
I cringed the day I saw this video years ago! This is actually the 1st lady of Nigeria now
— #el_chaperon (@nnanndy) November 27, 2023
The video is very real unfortunately. Smh 🤦♀️
— Hon. Adaora, (EMBA) (@HonAdaora) November 27, 2023
This woman is like market woman
— kenth omoregie (@kenstine) November 27, 2023
Deaconess Remi Tinubu
— Jesugbemi Ajiboye (@JesugbemiJIBOYE) November 27, 2023
That's the woman they call a pastor.
— Benny 'Buchi O. (@Bennoker) November 27, 2023
However, some supporters of the First Lady rushed to her defence, saying she had a right to express her views.
I endorse this 100%. You cannot challenge the authority of your landlord. If you no like am leave the house.
— Capt Awesome(The 18th Duck) (@mmayomi) November 27, 2023
It didnt stop her from becoming the First Lady.
The Universe knew she was right.
Atunbotan alabosi kí n suwon.
— ACADEMIA Thesis_Help_Dissertation_Business Plans (@AcademiaSpec) November 27, 2023
She said what she said
— Vawulenciaga (@horlaryeankarrr) November 27, 2023